1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
- This play takes place in New York City during the years 2011-2012. There is one main character in which the play revolves mostly around, Amir, and a few other characters involved. Emily (Amir's wife), Abe (Amir's nephew), Isaac, and Jory. The play revolves around Amir's internal conflict with his race and religious identity and how he handles it, as well as how the people around him are affected by his attitude about it.
2. What is the intrusion?
- The intrusion occurs when Amir is convinced by Abe to speak to the New York Times newspaper about a local imam who was believed to be funding terrorist organizations. Because he decides to do this, he eventually has conflict with his wife and loses his job.
3. What is the unique factor?
- This is the day that Amir goes against what he previously believed and fuels his internal conflict.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
- The main question throughout the play is whether or not Amir will be able to come to terms with his race and religion.
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
- One form of exposition that everyone knows is that Amir is not Caucasian or Jewish which causes issues not only in America's society but in his job as well. Another form of exposition that not everyone knows until later is Amir still feeling a certain pride and pull towards being a Muslim even though he claims not to be anymore.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
- There are many moments in this play that can be considered very extreme and dramatic, however I believe the most theatrical moment is when Amir begins abusing his wife out of anger. In this moment we see that Amir still holds strong ties to his Muslim belief despite portraying that he feels very strongly against it. This is also a breaking point for him, when the last thing he has to hold on to is cut off.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
- Some larger themes in this play that I observed are: racism, Islamophobia, strong anger, and cultural identity.
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of his getting what he wants?
- Amir is the chief character throughout this play. In the beginning, he truly only wants to become a partner at the law firm where he works, but has trouble gaining this position although he is unsure why. After releasing a statement about the imam, it becomes clear that his boss takes advantage of him and will not give him the position because of his race (me v person/ society).
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
- The main image that goes along with the title is when Amir is confessing his frustration for both hating and somehow still feeling pride for his past religious background. He is disgraced that he was ever a Muslim and wishes that he could rid himself of the tendency to feel pride towards it. Another prominent image throughout the play is that of a painting that Emily did, inspired by Velasquez’s “Portrait of Juan de Pareja” which is that of a slave. It bothers Amir because it is himself in Emily's rendition of it which leads him to believe that she somehow sees him as less than.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
- Family in this play is slightly confusing. Emily and Amir are happily married and then divorced at the end of the play. Abe and Amir are the only two blood related people throughout the play but their relationship is strained because of differing beliefs and habits, however Emily and Abe are close.
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
- This play takes place in New York City during the years 2011-2012. There is one main character in which the play revolves mostly around, Amir, and a few other characters involved. Emily (Amir's wife), Abe (Amir's nephew), Isaac, and Jory. The play revolves around Amir's internal conflict with his race and religious identity and how he handles it, as well as how the people around him are affected by his attitude about it.
2. What is the intrusion?
- The intrusion occurs when Amir is convinced by Abe to speak to the New York Times newspaper about a local imam who was believed to be funding terrorist organizations. Because he decides to do this, he eventually has conflict with his wife and loses his job.
3. What is the unique factor?
- This is the day that Amir goes against what he previously believed and fuels his internal conflict.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
- The main question throughout the play is whether or not Amir will be able to come to terms with his race and religion.
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
- One form of exposition that everyone knows is that Amir is not Caucasian or Jewish which causes issues not only in America's society but in his job as well. Another form of exposition that not everyone knows until later is Amir still feeling a certain pride and pull towards being a Muslim even though he claims not to be anymore.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
- There are many moments in this play that can be considered very extreme and dramatic, however I believe the most theatrical moment is when Amir begins abusing his wife out of anger. In this moment we see that Amir still holds strong ties to his Muslim belief despite portraying that he feels very strongly against it. This is also a breaking point for him, when the last thing he has to hold on to is cut off.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
- Some larger themes in this play that I observed are: racism, Islamophobia, strong anger, and cultural identity.
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of his getting what he wants?
- Amir is the chief character throughout this play. In the beginning, he truly only wants to become a partner at the law firm where he works, but has trouble gaining this position although he is unsure why. After releasing a statement about the imam, it becomes clear that his boss takes advantage of him and will not give him the position because of his race (me v person/ society).
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
- The main image that goes along with the title is when Amir is confessing his frustration for both hating and somehow still feeling pride for his past religious background. He is disgraced that he was ever a Muslim and wishes that he could rid himself of the tendency to feel pride towards it. Another prominent image throughout the play is that of a painting that Emily did, inspired by Velasquez’s “Portrait of Juan de Pareja” which is that of a slave. It bothers Amir because it is himself in Emily's rendition of it which leads him to believe that she somehow sees him as less than.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
- Family in this play is slightly confusing. Emily and Amir are happily married and then divorced at the end of the play. Abe and Amir are the only two blood related people throughout the play but their relationship is strained because of differing beliefs and habits, however Emily and Abe are close.